This study explores the utilization of crab shell (CS) waste as a reinforcing filler in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites designed for building applications exposed to high humidity. Recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled polypropylene (rPP) were blended with natural rubber (NR) to form TPE composites, into which varying contents of CS (35, 40, and 45 wt%) were incorporated. Maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) and maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were used as coupling agents for the rHDPE and rPP-based systems, respectively. After immersion in water for 1 and 3 months, the TPE composites were evaluated for their mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties. The results demonstrated that TPE composites containing 40 wt% CS along with coupling agents exhibited the best performance in terms of flexural strength, compressive resistance, hardness, dimensional stability, and thermal stability. Morphological characteristic confirmed improved filler matrix adhesion in TPE composites with MAPE and MAPP, reducing surface damage and moisture related degradation. Among all formulations, HRC40M4 (rHDPE/NR + 40 wt% CS + MAPE) and PRC40M4 (rPP/NR + 40 wt% CS + MAPP) showed the highest stability and property retention after water exposure. These findings support the development of sustainable, water-resistant building materials and present a promising approach for high value recycling of biowaste into durable TPE composites for use in moisture sensitive construction applications.
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